Marjory Goodrich Foster

Marjory Foster of Ashland, Ore. passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side January 31, 2014.

Marjory was born July 17, 1930 in Oakland, Calif. She was the youngest of the three daughters of Augusta and Frances Goodrich and enjoyed her happy childhood playing with her adoring sisters in the Oakland Hills. Her family moved to San Mateo, Calif. in 1945 where she graduated from San Mateo High School and attended San Mateo Junior College and business school in San Francisco.

She met her husband to be, Thomas Foster, in 1946. A long term courtship was necessary as he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1947. The separation, eased with leave periods and her trips East, and finally working for a time in New York City, came to a close when they were married June 5, 1951 at the Cadet Chapel. She then began a long career as an Army wife, making a home for her family at posts all over this country, including Alaska and the Panama Canal Zone. At times she alone shouldered the task of raising four active sons when her husband was deployed overseas. In later years she planned, hosted, and brightened with grace and charm many functions associated with her husband's command responsibilities.

After 30 years of Army life, Marjory and Tom retired and bought an old house up the hill from Lithia Park. She enjoyed putting down roots and remodeling, decorating, and furnishing what would be her final home. She also volunteered with the Ashland Chamber of Commerce and Tudor Guild and finally found time to realize a long-held desire to draw and learn to paint. She developed her talent and made many friends through Artists' Workshop, Rogue Gallery, Watercolor Society or Oregon, and Art and Soul Gallery. Her travels and adventurers in England, France, Italy, New Zealand, Mexico, Hawaii, Canada, and throughout the Northwest presented many opportunities for sketches and watercolors.

Marjory is survived by her husband, Tom; her children Thomas (Deborah), David (Theresa), James (Margaret), and Peter (Kristal); seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters, Madeline and Doris.

A celebration of Marjory's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home, 1811 Ashland Street.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Ashland Community Hospital / Home Health and Hospice of a charity of your choice.